Sheffield United have closed the gap on League One leaders Tranmere Rovers to just one point following an impressive win over Carlisle United.
Ryan Flynn, Nick Blackman and Neill Collins were on the scoresheet as the Blades recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory at Brunton Park, while Tranmere were held to a 2-2 draw at Portsmouth.
Fellow title-chasers Doncaster Rovers missed the chance to go top of the table as they were held 1-1 at Swindon Town.
At the bottom, Hartlepool United are now without a win in 20 matches in all competitions, after losing 2-0 at Stevenage.
Elsewhere, Coventry City continued their fine form in front of goal, as Carl Baker and David McGoldrick bagged braces in a 5-1 win over Walsall.
Clayton Donaldson scored a last-minute winner as Brentford overcame MK Dons 3-2 at Griffin Park.
Results in full: Brentford 3-2 MK Dons, Bury 0-2 Leyton Orient, Carlisle 1-3 Sheff United, Colchester United 0-2 Oldham Athletic, Coventry City 5-1 Walsall, Crawley Town 2-2 Shrewsbury Town, Hartlepool United 0-2 Stevenage, Preston North End 1-3 Crewe Alexandra, Scunthorpe United 1-2 Bournemouth, Swindon Town 1-1 Doncaster Rovers, Tranmere Rovers 2-2 Portsmouth, Yeovil 0-0 Notts County
Robert Summerscales
